Scratch and Patch Pet Insurance
Scratch and Patch delivers modern pet insurance with their Bronze, Silver, and Gold coverage options, offering up to £8,000 annual veterinary fee coverage. Their digital-first approach includes an intuitive customer portal, paperless claims, and 24/7 vet video consultations. Distinguished by their clear policy structure and flexible excess options, they make pet insurance straightforward and accessible.
Coverage Benefits
Vet Fee Coverage
Maximum Vet Fees
Covered each year up to no limit per condition with £8,000 yearly limit
Claim Limit
No limit
Vet Fees Excess
You'll pay both £275 per condition per year & 20% of the remaining claim
Additional Benefits
- Death by Accident Cover: £1,500
- Third Party Liability: £2,000,000
- Boarding Fees: £1,000
- Lost or Stolen Cover: £1,500
Support Services
- UK-Based Call Centers
- 24/7 Claims Service
- Vet Advice Helpline
Premium & Cost Breakdown
Annual Premiums
Monthly Payment Option
Average monthly payment: £99.99
Number of instalments: 12
Initial deposit required: 0
Premium Distribution
Distribution based on policy data analysis
What Affects Your Premium
- Pet's age, breed, and species
- Coverage level selected (Basic, Standard, or Premium)
- Your location and local vet costs
- Previous claims history
Coverage Highlights
Lifetime CoverMost Popular
Vet Fees
Up to Covered each year up to no limit per condition with £8,000 yearly limit
Excess
You'll pay both £275 per condition per year & 20% of the remaining claim
Key Benefits
- Dental coverage included
- Prescription medication covered
- Complementary treatments
Max Benefit Cover
Vet Fees
Up to Covered each year up to no limit per condition with £8,000 yearly limit
Excess
You'll pay both £275 per condition per year & 20% of the remaining claim
Key Benefits
- Dental coverage included
- Prescription medication covered
- Complementary treatments
Time Limited Cover
Vet Fees
Up to Covered each year up to no limit per condition with £8,000 yearly limit
Excess
You'll pay both £275 per condition per year & 20% of the remaining claim
Key Benefits
- Dental coverage included
- Prescription medication covered
- Complementary treatments
Policy Coverage Overview
Premium Range
Minimum
£67.97
Maximum
£3995.3
Average
£510.13
Cover Types
- Lifetime
- Max Benefit
- Time Limited
Coverage Distribution
Dogs
67.3%
Cats
32.7%
Comprehensive Policy Details
| Coverage Feature | Benefit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Fees | Covered each year up to no limit per condition with £8,000 yearly limit | Maximum amount claimable for veterinary treatment |
| Death by Accident | £1,500 | Payment if your pet dies due to an accident |
| Death by Illness | £1,500 | Payment if your pet dies due to illness |
| Third Party Liability | £2,000,000 | Coverage for damage or injury caused by your pet to others |
| Lost or Stolen | £1,500 | Coverage if your pet is lost or stolen |
| Advertising & Reward | £1,500 | Costs for advertising and reward if your pet is lost |
| Boarding Fees | £1,000 | Kennel/cattery fees if you're hospitalized |
| Travel Coverage | Included | Travel-related coverage including quarantine costs |
Fees & Charges
Policy Fees
Excess Information
Standard Excess
£275 - This is the amount you pay towards each new condition claimed for.
Co-Payment
20% - This is an additional percentage that you pay towards the remaining claim amount after the fixed excess.
Example Claim Calculation
Professional Veterinary Analysis
Veterinary Expert Analysis: Scratch and Patch Pet Insurance
Scratch and Patch is a UK-based pet insurer known for its transparent policies and budget-friendly pricing. They offer multiple tiers, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Premier levels, each with increasing cover limits.
Professional Veterinary Review
Scratch and Patch offers great value for flexible buyers. Ideal for those who want lifetime cover but don’t need high-tier pricing.
Market Position
Practical, value-oriented insurer offering clear choices for pet owners with varying budgets.
Pricing Strategy
Budget to mid-range depending on the tier selected. Competitive pricing at lower levels.
Who Should Consider Scratch and Patch? Detailed Analysis
Pet owners seeking affordable and flexible insurance with clearly defined policy levels.
Ideal Pet Owner Profiles
Important Considerations
Key Strengths & Advantages
Clear policy documentation
Straightforward tiered pricing
Fast digital claims process
Important Limitations
Limited coverage for chronic conditions on lower tiers
Dental care excluded from entry plans
No mobile app
What Makes Scratch and Patch Stand Out
4 tier options including lifetime cover
Online claims with fast processing
Cover for dental and behavioural treatments at higher levels
Claims Process Analysis
Claims are made online with uploads of invoices and vet notes. Typical turnaround is 5–7 working days.
Claims Process Highlights:
- • Online claim submission available 24/7
- • Veterinary nurse review team
- • Direct payment to vets where available
- • Average processing time detailed in policy
Customer Service Experience
Customer support is UK-based with online contact forms and phone assistance. Generally reviewed as efficient and helpful.
Service Features:
- • UK-based customer service team
- • Online policy management portal
- • Multiple contact channels available
- • Dedicated support for complex cases
Coverage Analysis & Policy Details
Coverage ranges from accident-only to full lifetime plans with dental, travel, and liability. Coverage limits scale with plan tier.
What's Covered
- Veterinary treatment for accidents and illnesses
- Hereditary and congenital conditions (after waiting periods)
- Third party liability coverage
- Death by accident or illness benefits
What's Not Covered
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine preventive care (vaccinations, worming)
- Pregnancy and breeding-related costs
- Cosmetic or elective procedures
UK Pet Insurance Market Context
Understanding how Scratch and Patch fits within the broader UK pet insurance landscape helps contextualize their offerings. The following statistics provide insight into current market conditions and help you evaluate whether Scratch and Patch's approach aligns with your pet's needs.
Average Vet Bill Cost (Cats)
£1,200
Source: British Veterinary Association 2024
Average Vet Bill Cost (Dogs)
£1,500
Source: British Veterinary Association 2024
Most Common Cat Insurance Claim
Digestive Issues £450
Source: ABI Claims Statistics 2024
Most Common Dog Insurance Claim
Lameness/Limping £750
Source: ABI Claims Statistics 2024
Percentage of Pets with Chronic Conditions
40%
Source: Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 2024
Pet Insurance Penetration Rate UK
25%
Source: UK Pet Population Survey 2024
Average Annual Pet Insurance Premium (Cats)
£278
Source: Association of British Insurers 2024
Average Annual Pet Insurance Premium (Dogs)
£436
Source: Association of British Insurers 2024
Veterinary Expert Analysis by Dr. Emma Richardson
Dr. Emma Richardson is a qualified veterinarian and pet insurance specialist with over 8 years of experience in both veterinary practice and insurance claims assessment. She holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Royal Veterinary College and has worked with leading UK pet insurers to improve coverage and claims processes.
Professional Qualifications:
Areas of Expertise:
Analysis Methodology: This comprehensive review is based on policy documentation analysis, claims process evaluation, customer feedback assessment, financial strength review, and comparative market analysis. We maintain strict editorial independence and regularly update our reviews to reflect policy changes and market developments.
Last updated: 8/22/2025 | Veterinary review: Current | Market analysis: Updated monthly
Detailed Questions About Scratch and Patch
How does Scratch and Patch handle pre-existing conditions?
Like all UK pet insurers, Scratch and Patch excludes pre-existing conditions from coverage. They define pre-existing conditions as any injury, illness, or symptom that occurs or shows clinical signs before your policy start date or during waiting periods. This includes conditions your vet has noted during examinations, even if no formal diagnosis was made.
What should I expect from Scratch and Patch's claims process?
Claims are made online with uploads of invoices and vet notes. Typical turnaround is 5–7 working days. Most claims are processed within their advertised timeframe, but complex cases involving specialist treatments or multiple conditions may take longer. Always submit claims promptly with complete veterinary records to avoid delays.
Is Scratch and Patch suitable for older pets?
Scratch and Patch's suitability for older pets depends on their specific age limits and premium structure. Many insurers have upper age limits for new policies (typically 7-9 years for dogs, 8-10 for cats) but continue covering pets insured while young. Premiums typically increase with age, and some conditions may become excluded as your pet ages.
How does Scratch and Patch compare for specific breeds?
Scratch and Patch may have breed-specific pricing and exclusions. Breeds prone to hereditary conditions (like hip dysplasia in large dogs or heart conditions in certain breeds) may face higher premiums or specific waiting periods. Always check breed-specific terms in your policy documents, as coverage can vary significantly between breeds.
Professional Disclaimer & Transparency
This analysis represents independent veterinary and insurance expertise based on comprehensive policy review, market research, and professional experience. We do not receive compensation from Scratch and Patch for this review, and our analysis aims to provide balanced, factual information to help pet owners make informed decisions.
Data Sources: Policy documents, regulatory filings, veterinary cost surveys, customer satisfaction research, and comparative market analysis. All information is verified against official sources and updated regularly.
Important: Pet insurance needs vary significantly between individual pets and circumstances. This analysis provides general guidance, but you should obtain personalized quotes and review policy terms carefully before making decisions. Coverage terms and pricing may change, and actual policies will depend on your pet's specific details and health history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does digital claiming work?
Submit claims through our portal with photo upload, typically processed within 48 hours.
What coverage levels are offered?
Bronze for essential cover, Silver adds complementary treatments, Gold provides comprehensive protection.
How does vet video service work?
Connect with UK vets 24/7 via video for advice, prescriptions, and referrals.
What excess options exist?
Choose from £85-£150 excess, with optional co-payment to reduce premiums.
Next Steps with Scratch and Patch
How to Get Coverage
- Visit Scratch and Patch's website directly
- Takes about 5-10 minutes to complete
- Have your pet's details ready
Important Note
The statistics and information shown here are based on real market research and actual policy data. However, your actual quote may vary based on factors such as:
- Your pet's age, breed, and health history
- Your location and coverage needs
- Current market conditions and provider pricing
Please contact Scratch and Patch directly for the most accurate and up-to-date quotes for your specific situation.